THE transfer of more than 800 alienated plots of land in the Western Province will be facilitated by the end of this year.
During the handing over of the upgraded Munda International Airport in the Western Province, Premier Billy Veo emphasised the importance of the return of all alienated land plots and announced his government’s goal to facilitate the transfer of around 800 plus parcels by the end of the year.
“We are hoping that the first batch of transfers of around 800 plus parcels should be facilitated by the end of this year,” he said.
Western Province is fortunate compared to other provinces as 20 to 30 percent of its total landmass is alienated land, which means their titles are held by the Commissioner of Lands on behalf of the Crown (Solomon Islands Government).
As part of the Veo Government’s policy direction to enhance economic development, the Western Province Land Division is working with relevant stakeholders to pursue and facilitate the legal transfer of all these properties from the authourity of the Commissioner of Lands to the Premier of Western Province.
Currently, there are over 2,000 parcels of land in the Western Province that are under the Commissioner of Lands.
To prepare for the transfers and prevent abuse of power in land allocations, the government is also developing a regulatory framework.
This framework aims to protect key potential sites for investors in prioritised sectors to safeguard them from corrupt dealings.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
